Description
SLEEVE: NM MEDIA: NM YEAR: 1977 ORIGIN: Japan EXTRAS: Obi & inserts
Quincy Jones' ambition to sketch a history of black music had yet to manifest when this 28-min suite hurriedly arrived following the Roots TV mini-series. It covers African influences modern and ancient (Letta Mbulu on vocals), a sea shanty, hollers, fiddle tunes, dialogue from Lou Gossett, and some Hollywood cues. Most of this music wasn't used in the series; "Roots Mural Theme" was by film composer Gerald Fried, not Jones. Top jazz players (Manne, Feldman, Watts, Ritenour, Tee, etc.) appear, but no jazz is heard. It's a timely reminder of a cultural phenomenon, but a curiosity for jazz fans.